JP2012155713A - Methods and apparatus for controlling loads coupled to electrical grid - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide methods and apparatus for controlling loads coupled to an electrical grid.SOLUTION: An energy meter 46 configured to couple to an electrical grid for monitoring energy consumption of an electrical load 40 connected to the energy meter is described. The energy meter includes a processor 60 and at least one input device 62, 64 coupled to the processor. The at least one input device is configured to receive energy usage data from the electrical load 40 and pricing data from a utility company 12. The energy meter also includes a communication device 66 coupled to the processor and configured to wirelessly communicate with a portable electronic device 70 associated with a customer of the utility company.

Description

  The field of this disclosure relates generally to the transmission and distribution of electricity through a power grid, and more specifically to a method and apparatus for use in controlling a load coupled to a power grid through an energy meter.

  In the future, customer demand for electricity is expected to exceed the supply available from utility companies. For example, certain events may peak energy demand at a level beyond the utility's ability to provide electricity to all customers. Therefore, “blackout” or “fire control” may be imposed on customers. Utility utilities typically do not have the ability to selectively determine disabling loads in customer estates due to power outages or fire control. Instead of selectively determining, typically a fire control or power outage will expose the entire customer estate to reduced power or complete power loss during such operating conditions. In addition, the stability of the power grid is reduced, and electrical loads coupled to the power grid can be damaged by sudden power removal.

  To prevent electricity demand from exceeding distribution capacity during peak energy usage periods, power utilities can use active and / or passive load control techniques that affect electricity demand. For example, to implement active control of electricity consumed by a load, some power utilities utilize an advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) power network, referred to herein as a “smart grid”. ing. The power utility can use the AMI network to communicate with individual loads within the customer premises and can selectively reduce power consumption during peak usage periods. Thus, during the peak energy usage time period, the power utility can reduce power for low priority loads while maintaining power for high priority loads.

US Pat. No. 6,900,747

  In order to implement passive load control techniques, the electric utility must in some cases charge at a variable rate based on demand. To facilitate energy demand stabilization during peak energy usage hours, specifically by reducing energy demand, variable rate programs must provide customers with the motivation to adjust their energy usage. I must. For example, higher electricity rates can be billed during peak demand periods. On the other hand, lower rates can be charged during periods of low demand. However, the inability of some types of users to save energy usage and the lack of real-time information about current energy usage costs can in some cases limit the success of variable rate programs.

  In one aspect, an energy meter configured to couple to a power grid is provided for monitoring energy consumption of an electrical load connected to the energy meter. The energy meter includes a processor and at least one input device coupled to the processor. The at least one input device is configured to receive energy usage data from at least one of the plurality of electrical loads and to receive price data from the utility company. The energy meter also includes a communication device coupled to the processor and configured to wirelessly communicate with a portable electronic device associated with a utility company customer.

  In another aspect, a method for controlling an electrical load coupled to a power grid is provided. The method includes receiving price data from a utility company and receiving energy usage data from at least one electrical load coupled to a power grid. The method also includes determining a recommended action based on price data received from the utility company and energy usage data received from at least one electrical load. The method further includes generating a recommended action signal based on the recommended action. The method further includes providing a recommended action to the portable electronic device associated with the utility company customer.

  In yet another aspect, a home automation system is provided. The home automation system includes a first load that includes a first communication device. The home automation system also includes a second load that includes a second communication device. The home automation system further includes a portable electronic device for receiving energy usage data from the first load and the second load and for sending data to and receiving data from the utility company customers. An energy meter is included that includes at least one communication device configured to communicate.

1 is a block diagram of an exemplary energy generation and delivery system. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary energy user of the energy generation and delivery system shown in FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for use in controlling a load coupled to a power grid, such as a load included within the energy generation and delivery system shown in FIG.

  The methods and apparatus described herein can easily provide energy usage information and energy price information to a customer's portable electronic device. The methods and apparatus described herein can also include receiving a load limit signal from the customer's portable electronic device and limiting the corresponding load.

  Technical effects of the methods and apparatus described herein include (a) receiving price data from the utility, (b) receiving energy usage data from at least one electrical load, and (c) price. At least one of determining a recommended action based on the data and energy usage data, and (d) providing a recommended action to the consumer cellular device.

  FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary energy that includes an electric utility 12, a power grid 14, and a plurality of customer or energy user locations, such as a first customer location 16, a second customer location 18, and a third customer location 20. 1 is a block diagram of a generation and delivery system 10. FIG. In this exemplary embodiment, electricity is delivered from the electricity utility 12 to the customer locations 16, 18 and 20 via the power grid 14. In the exemplary embodiment, power network 14 includes at least one transmission line 22, substation 24, and a plurality of distribution lines 26. Further, in this exemplary embodiment, utility utility 12 includes a power generation system 28 that supplies power to power grid 14. The power generation system 28 may include a generator driven by, for example, a gas turbine engine, a hydroelectric turbine, and / or a wind turbine. Alternatively, the power generation system 28 can utilize a solar panel and / or any other power generation device that can cause the system 10 to function as described herein.

  Also in this exemplary embodiment, electric utility 12 includes a computer system 30 that controls the generation and delivery of energy. Although the computer system 30 shown in the figure is included in the electric utility 12, the computer system 30 can be located outside the electric utility 12 (eg, can be located at a remote location). It is also possible to communicate with the electric utility 12. Further, although described as a computer system, the computer system 30 may be any suitable processing device capable of functioning the energy generation and delivery system 10 as described herein. The term processing device, as used herein, refers to a central processing unit, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a reduced instruction set circuit (RISC), a dedicated integrated circuit (ASIC), a logic circuit, and the present specification. It means any other circuit or processor that can be implemented as described.

  In the exemplary embodiment, customer locations 16, 18, and 20 include electrical loads, eg, first load 40, second load 42, and third load 44, respectively. Further, in this exemplary embodiment, each customer location 16, 18 and 20 includes an end user total 46. In this exemplary embodiment, end user meter 46 is part of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). AMI enables the electricity utility 12 to measure and collect information related to energy use from customer locations 16, 18 and 20 and to provide data and control signals to the end user meter 46 2 is an example of a bidirectional communication system. For example, in response to a command input from a customer's portable electronic device, the AMI allows the customer to prevent consumption of electricity from the power grid 14 by the load, eg, load 40, which is herein referred to as power grid 14. This is an operation concept that is also referred to as “limit” of the load 40. A hard release can be used to limit the load, for example the load 40, preventing electricity from reaching the load 40. For example, the load control relay (not shown in FIG. 1) can be opened after receiving a limiting signal from the meter 46. When the load control relay is open, electricity is prevented from reaching all electrical loads coupled to the load control relay. In an alternative embodiment, the at least one load 40, 42 and / or 44 may be a “smart device”. As defined herein, a smart device includes a communication device that facilitates receiving a limit signal from a customer and facilitating turn-off of the device in response to receiving the limit signal. . Such an action is referred to herein as soft release. In the case of a soft release, the smart device can perform a shutdown procedure and / or can store data prior to device shutdown. Also, in the soft open case, the devices can be individually controlled instead of requiring removal of power from all loads coupled to instrument 46.

  Loads 40, 42, and 44 can be communicatively coupled in any manner that facilitates the operation of the AMI described herein. Such a connection can be referred to as a home area network (HAN). Three exemplary types of networks are shown at customer locations 16, 18 and 20. Further, the loads 40, 42 and 44 can include wireless communication devices that allow communication between the meter 46 and the loads 40, 42 and 44. Examples of wireless standards that can be used by such wireless communication devices include, but are not limited to, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11d, 802.11e, 802.11g, 802.11h, 802. There are IEEE 802.11 standards, including Wi-Fi®, ZigBee® and Z-Wave®, including .11i, 802.11j and 802.11n. Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is a certification mark developed by Wi-Fi Alliance, ZigBee (registered trademark) is a registered trademark of ZigBee Alliance Inc, San Ramon, California, and Z-Wave (registered trademark). (Trademark) is an identification mark of Z-Wave Alliance of Milpitas, California. Such communication allows instrument 46 to function as part of a home automation system, thus facilitating centralized control of electrical devices at a customer location, eg, customer location 16.

  FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram of customer location 16 (shown in FIG. 1). In the exemplary embodiment, end user meter 46 includes a processing device 60, a first input / output (I / O) device 62, a second I / O device 64, and a communication device 66. The first I / O device 62 is coupled to the processing device 60 and is configured to receive information from the utility 12. In one example, the information received from the utility 12 includes price data. To facilitate demand control, the utility 12 can implement a variable rate pricing program, also called a variable price. Since charging customers at higher rates during times of high power demand is a motivation for customers to reduce their energy use during these times, this variable rate pricing program allows them to Meanwhile, utilities 12 can charge customers at a higher rate. Such a program is voluntary and not voluntary and requires customers to register with the program. In return, customers typically receive discounted energy rates during non-peak energy demand periods in return for receiving higher rates during peak energy demand periods.

  In the exemplary embodiment, second I / O device 64 is coupled to processing device 60 and is configured to receive data from loads coupled to instrument 46, such as loads 40, 42 and / or 44. Has been. In an alternative embodiment, the second I / O device 64 is also sending command signals from the processing device 60 to the loads 40, 42 and / or 44. Although described herein as separate I / O devices, the first I / O device 62 and the second I / O device 64 may be included in a single I / O device. It is.

  In the exemplary embodiment, communication device 66 enables communication with customer portable electronic device 70. More specifically, the communication device 66 facilitates wireless communication between the meter 46 and the portable electronic device 70. Wireless communications include, but are not limited to, cellular communications, satellite communications, radio frequency (RF) communications, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards (eg, 802.11 (g) or 802.11 ( n)), communications using the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX) standard, and / or any wireless communications that allow the instrument 46 to function as described herein. Can do. Accordingly, portable electronic device 70 can include, but is not limited to, a cellular phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, and / or a portable computer. In this exemplary embodiment, processing device 60 determines an energy usage proposal based at least in part on price data received from utility 12. The energy usage proposal can also be based on the hierarchy of loads 40, 42 and 44. This hierarchy may correspond to predefined priority levels associated with individual loads 40, 42 and / or 44, and processing device 60 may limit lower priority loads to higher priority loads. There is no suggestion ahead.

  For example, in this exemplary embodiment, meter 46 receives energy usage information from loads 40, 42 and 44. During periods of high energy demand, the customer's electricity costs registered in the variable price program are high. The energy usage proposal may include, but is not limited to, notifying the customer that the customer's heating / cooling system is on and that the customer's energy rate is high. The energy usage proposal also includes recommendations to customers about turning off the heating / cooling system and / or reducing the energy consumption of the heating / cooling system until a period of less energy demand emerges. Is also possible. The communication device 66 enables transmission of energy usage proposals to the portable electronic device 70. The instrument 46 provides energy usage suggestions via voice messages and / or text messages. In the exemplary embodiment, processing device 60 includes a memory device 72 that stores at least one telephone number associated with portable electronic device 70. For example, the utility 12 stores at least one telephone number in the memory device 72 while setting up or installing an electrical service at the customer location 16. The utility 12 also has the ability to change the stored telephone number if the party to be responsible for the customer location 16 changes. Although described herein in connection with a heating / cooling system, the instrument 46 includes, but is not limited to, a dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine, drying device, stove / oven or programmable thermostat. You can receive energy usage data from any load you do.

  In this exemplary embodiment, the system 10 relies on the customer to release the load or reduce energy consumption once the energy usage proposal is provided to the customer. In an alternative embodiment, the communication device 66 receives an open signal from the portable electronic device 70. For example, the customer can send an opening signal from the portable electronic device 70 to the processing device 60 via the communication device 66. If the loads 40, 42 and / or 44 are smart devices, the processing device 60 sends an open signal to the loads 40, 42 and / or 44 to activate the soft opening of the loads 40, 42 and / or 44. Or switch the loads 40, 42 and / or 44 to a mode with less power consumption. For example, an open signal can be sent to the dishwasher to control the use of water and / or to delay the wash to operate in an energy saving mode or to instruct the dishwasher to correct the cycle time. In other examples, an open signal may be sent to the refrigerator, delaying the defrost operation, reducing the compressor load, operating with reduced features, and / or instructing the refrigerator to operate in an energy saving mode. it can.

  When the customer sends an open signal to open a load that is not a smart device that is connected to an open load relay output (not shown in FIG. 2), the processing device 60 will select one or A hard open signal can be sent to a load control relay (not shown in FIG. 2) to release power for multiple loads. Further, the customer can transmit a collective release signal from the portable electronic device 70. When processing device 60 receives the collective release signal, it drives the main open relay (not shown in FIG. 2) at customer location 16. Opening the main open relay prevents electricity from reaching all loads at customer location 16.

  In addition, the customer can send a load limit schedule from the portable electronic device 70 to the instrument 46. For example, the processing device 60 may determine an energy usage proposal if a load is consuming electricity during a peak energy usage time period and if it is recommended that the customer limit the load daily. . The customer can send a scheduling signal to accept this energy usage proposal. The customer can also use the portable electronic device 70 to edit the already stored scheduling options.

  FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method 100 for use in controlling a load coupled to a power grid, eg, loads 40, 42 and / or 44 coupled to a power grid 14 (shown in FIG. 1). FIG. 90 is a flowchart 90. FIG. In the exemplary embodiment, price data is received 110 from a utility such as utility 12 (shown in FIG. 1). Such price data includes data indicating the current electricity rate of the electricity rate that changes throughout the day for customers registered in the variable energy rate pricing program. Energy usage data is received 112 from at least one electrical device, eg, loads 40, 42 and / or 44. In this exemplary embodiment, the energy usage data includes data indicating the current power consumption of loads 40, 42 and / or 44.

  In this exemplary embodiment, recommended actions, also referred to herein as energy usage proposals, are determined 114 based on price data and energy usage data. The method 100 also includes a step 116 of generating a recommended action signal indicative of the recommended action. The recommended action may include notifying the customer that the customer's heating / cooling system is on and that the customer's energy rate is high. The recommended action may also include a recommendation to the customer to turn off the heating / cooling system or reduce the energy consumption of the heating / cooling system until a period of less energy demand. Recommended actions may include determining storage priority 114 to be accessed such that loads 40, 42 and 44 are ranked based on a defined priority level. For example, a memory device, such as memory device 72 (shown in FIG. 2), has a first priority level assigned to load 40, a second priority level assigned to load 42, and a load. The third priority level assigned to 44 can be stored. In this exemplary embodiment, load 44 can be determined to be a higher priority load than loads 40 and 42, so the recommended action is prior to load 44 limiting / reducing recommendations, load 40 and A limit / reduction of 42 is the recommended action.

  The method 100 also includes providing 118 a recommended action signal to a portable electronic device, such as the portable electronic device 70 (shown in FIG. 2). For example, the processing device 60 may generate 116 a voice message and / or text message that includes recommended actions, and subsequently coupled with the portable electronic device 70 stored in the processing device 60. The voice number and / or text message may be provided 118 to the telephone number that is being played.

  An open signal can be received 120 from the portable electronic device 70. The opening signal includes a load selected by the customer using the portable electronic device 70, such as the load 40, and instructions to the processing device 60 to release the load 40. The method 100 can further include a step 122 of providing an open signal to the load 40. For example, if the load 40 is a smart device, the processing device 60 sends an open signal (i.e., a soft open signal) to the load 40 to turn off or operate the load 40 to operate in a mode that consumes less power. Can be ordered. Alternatively, if the load 40 is not a smart device but is connected to the output of an open load relay, the processing device 60 will open the load control relay that stops power to the load 40 (ie, a hard open signal). Can be transmitted (122). The customer can also provide commands to control the load regardless of the recommended action. For example, the customer can turn on or off all loads connected to the instrument 46.

  The methods and apparatus described herein can easily provide energy usage information and energy price information to a customer's portable electronic device. The methods and apparatus described herein can also include receiving a load limit signal from the customer's portable electronic device and limiting the corresponding load. The methods and apparatus described herein provide the customer with the ability to control the main open relay and / or the load open relay. These relays are usually controlled only by utilities. Sending data to and receiving data from the customer's portable electronic device gives the customer the flexibility to remotely control the customer's home electronic device.

  Thus, an exemplary method, system, and apparatus for providing energy usage information to a customer's portable electronic device has been described herein. More specifically, according to the methods, systems, and apparatus described herein, an energy usage proposal via a cellular device based at least in part on current energy rate data and current energy usage data. Is provided to customers.

  The methods, systems, and apparatus described herein can easily and economically implement variable rate pricing programs and smart grid demand side management. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Exemplary embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatuses are described in detail and / or shown in detail herein. These methods, systems, and apparatus are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather individual system components, as well as individual method steps, are described elsewhere herein. Apart from these components and steps, they can be used independently. Individual components and individual method steps can also be used in combination with other components and / or method steps.

  In the introduction of the elements / components / etc. Of methods, systems and apparatus described and / or shown herein, the expression “a”, “its” and “the” may include one or more Is intended to mean that one or more of the following elements / one or more components / etc. Are present. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and one different from one or more elements / one or more components / etc. Or it is intended to mean that there may be multiple additional elements / one or multiple additional components / etc.

  This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and includes the construction and use of any device or system and the implementation of any methods incorporated Examples are used to enable practice of the present invention by all those skilled in the art. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples include cases where they have the same structural elements as the claimed language, or they are unrealistically different from the claimed language. Even if it contains equivalent structural elements, it is intended to be encompassed by the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Delivery system 12 Electric utility 14 Power network 16 1st customer position 18 2nd customer position 20 3rd customer position 22 Transmission line 24 Substation 26 Distribution line 28 Power generation system 30 Computer system 40 1st load 42 2nd Load 44 Third load 46 End user meter 60 Processing device 62, 64 I / O device 66 Communication device 70 Portable electronic device 72 Memory device 90 Flow chart 100 Method 110 Receive price data 112 Receive energy usage data 114 Recommended action 116 generate a recommended action signal 118 provide a recommended action signal to the portable electronic device 120 receive an opening signal from the portable electronic device 122 provide an opening signal to the load

Claims (9)

An energy meter (46) configured to be coupled to a power grid (14) for monitoring energy consumption of an electrical load (40) connected to the energy meter;
A processor (60);
At least one input device (62, 64) coupled to the processor and configured to receive energy usage data from the electrical load and price data from a utility company (12);
An energy meter (46) comprising: a communication device (66) coupled to the processor and configured to wirelessly communicate with a portable electronic device (70) associated with a customer of the utility company. The energy meter (46) of any preceding claim, wherein the processor (60) comprises a memory device (72) configured to store a priority level associated with the electrical load (40). The processor (60) makes an energy usage proposal based at least in part on price data received from the utility company (12) and based at least in part on the priority level of the electrical load (40). The energy meter (46) of claim 2, wherein the energy meter (46) is configured to determine and the processor is further configured to generate an energy usage proposal signal in response to the energy usage proposal. The communication device (66) comprises a cellular communication device configured to transmit data to the portable electronic device (70) and receive data from the portable electronic device (70). The energy meter as described (46). The energy meter (46) of claim 4, wherein the memory device (72) is configured to store contact information associated with the portable electronic device (70). The energy meter (46) of claim 1, wherein the communication device (66) is further configured to communicate with the utility company (12). The energy meter (46) of claim 1, wherein the communication device (66) is configured to receive an open signal from the portable electronic device (70). The at least one input device (62, 64) is further configured to output an open signal to the electrical load (40) in response to the open signal received from the portable electronic device (70). An energy meter (46) according to claim 7. The at least one input device (62, 64) comprises a wireless transceiver configured to receive at least energy usage data from the electrical load (40) and price data from the utility company (12). An energy meter (46) according to claim 1.

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